A Moderate President
When I was 16 or 17 I went with my family to Palm Springs and Los Angeles. Here are me and Kelly watching ex-President Gerald Ford at a Rancho Mirage celebrity golf tournament that also featured Bob Hope, Lawrence Welk and Wayne Rogers (from M*A*S*H). Lawrence Welk said hi to me, but Dad said Welk looked like he thought I was going to mug him.
I’m sorry to hear that Gerald Ford has died, the day after Christmas in 2006. I thought he was a decent man and a moderate President, which was certainly what America needed after six years of Richard Nixon. In fact, after six years of George W. Bush, I think we need a Gerald Ford again.
I don’t think Ford was wrong to pardon Richard Nixon. The sad loss of his reputation was punishment enough for Richard Nixon.
I wish I could say something smart relating to John Updike’s Memories of the Ford Administration (which is, by the way, an ironically-titled novel and not a memoir), but the truth is that even though I liked the book I didn’t finish it. I’ll try to dig it up and maybe I’ll file a report on LitKicks next week.
December 28th, 2006 at 6:04 pm
When dealing with history, truth is paramount. Our children can’t learn from history if it isn’t honest. Generally when someone dies, it is best to focus on positives, and ignore negatives; unless there is a compelling reason not to.
I comment on Gerald Ford for only one reason. He served as President. That is the most powerful position on earth; an incredible opportunity to do good. But there is no such thing as “presidential legacy.” The only real measure is - what did we accomplish on planet earth during that person’s tenure.
What did we accomplish during Ford’s tenure? We pardoned a criminal (and got our boat crew back from North Korea). The pardoning of Richard Nixon is inexcusable, as are all pardons. They are un-American, undemocratic. They refute basic principles of democracy: equal justice under the law - no man is above the law. Pardons belong with dictators and tyrants, to dole out to their friends and relatives.
December 29th, 2006 at 2:03 pm
Yes, I remember this photo very well (I probably took it). I also remember standing next to President Ford when someone mentioned that a particular hole had some very big sand traps. His comment, spoken to noone in particular, was, “Yes, and big traps mean big trouble”. I’ve liked Gerald Ford from that moment on.
One more moment I recall was when Bob Hope noticed you (bearded, long hair and hippie-clothed). I wish I could have recorded on film the look of absolute disbelief and amazement that showed in his facial expression for about 30 seconds.
Eli
January 4th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Hehehe, priceless.
January 21st, 2007 at 10:40 am
Great photo opportunity! With a star-studded cast! Brooklyn, you will always be a celebrity. I’m a poet, I know it–my vulgarity comes naturally.